Unemployment drops across West Michigan

The unemployment rate in West Michigan has fluctuated this summer -- down in June, up in July and back down in August.

Muskegon County had a 13.5 percent unemployment rate in August compared to 14.9 percent in July and 13.9 percent in June. Last August, the jobless rate in Muskegon County was 15.2 percent.

The same up-and-down unemployment rate was registered in Ottawa County. August unemployment was 11.3 percent compared to 12.6 percent in July and 12 percent in June. A year ago the Ottawa jobless rate was 12.2 percent.

"The primary reasons for the lower jobless rates in August were fewer persons in the regional job market and tempered job gains in manufacturing along with professional and business services," said Jason Palmer, economic analyst for the Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information.

"The labor force declines were typical for August and reflected individuals who exited the labor market after completing seasonal employment or after ending an unsuccessful search for a summer job," he said.

Overall Muskegon County employment increased 100 jobs in August compared to July and the number of unemployed workers dropped 1,500. In Ottawa County, employment was 400 jobs lower in August and 1,900 fewer workers were unemployed.

In the critical manufacturing sector, Muskegon County gained 200 jobs and Ottawa County 300 in August.

Unemployment rates also eased in the counties north of Muskegon.

Oceana County had a 13.4 percent jobless rate in August compared to 14.8 percent the month before and 13.7 a year ago. Mason County's unemployment was 11.7 percent compared to 12.2 percent in July and 12.1 percent a year ago.

Newaygo County had a jobless rate of 12.8 percent, down from 13.4 percent in July and 14 percent a year ago.

The U.S unemployment rate in August was 9.6 percent; Michigan's rate was 12.9 percent.